Monthly Archives: April 2013

“Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried.”

– Winston Churchill

Two-Hundred and Thirty-some odd years ago, our founding fathers forged a great document to outline the government of the United States of America. In their infinite wisdom, they constructed a system of government to withstand the test of time. Our founders considered all possibilities and developed articles allowing for this framework to address all scenarios the future may bring. And after the completion of this document, all original 13 states united under the Articles of Confederation.

As it turned out, our brilliant forefathers were not infallible. Their redemption was their ability to recognize and rectify their errors. The Articles of Confederation were fatally flawed and our fledgeling nation lacked the potency to govern effectively. It took less than 10 years for the flaws inherent in these Articles to gain universal recognition.

Two-Hundred and Twenty-some odd years ago, our founding fathers forged a great document to outline the government of the United States of America. In their infinite wisdom, they constructed a system of government to withstand the test of time. Our founders considered all possibilities and developed articles allowing for this framework to address all scenarios the future may bring. And after the completion of this document, all original 13 states united under the United States Constitution.

Does this sound familiar? This is the rhetoric drummed by certain politicians nowadays. As it turns out, our brilliant forefathers were not infallible. The United States Constitution is flawed and creates a system where politicians constantly struggle for power, effectively rendering our government incapable of functioning. It took less than 10 years for the flaws in the Articles of Confederation to gain universal recognition. How long will it take for the fatal flaws inherent in the U.S. constitution to gain recognition? Let us follow in the footsteps of our forefathers and find our redemption by rectifying past errors.

Let me be very clear, the United States Constitution is an excellent framework for government. Compared to contemporary governments of the late 18th century, it is without rival in terms of capabilities and effective representation of the populace. The problem lies in the fact that very few 18th century governments remain in their original archaic form. The United States Constitution deserves credit for being an important part of the framework for all modern democracies. But the extent to which our beloved constitution has been consulted or referenced demonstrates its age. And there are two inescapable facts about the oldest way to do something:

1) It is, at least moderately, functional.

2) It is not the best way to do something.

If you don’t believe me that newer is better if you work at it, then try driving a model T, using 56K Internet, getting rid of your indoor plumbing, or launching a satellite with Aristotle’s explanation of Physics. This is America—land of innovation. We do not need to use someone else’s “better” government. But we do need to create our own better government. The best form of government does not yet exist, but when did the home of the brave become afraid to pursue the best that’s out there? The land of the free? The home of the brave? Let’s make those words mean something!

If we want to be free—We, The People, must pursue and protect that freedom. If we want to sing our national anthem, then we better get braver. We cannot allow fear to control us and hinder future improvement of our great nation.

If you think American politics is more about popularity than governing, if you think the two parties fighting detracts from functionality, if you think “reaching across the aisle” shouldn’t exist as an issue, if you think not every American is effectively represented as a “Republican” or “Democrat”, or if you think that the government is not perfect and you can think of a way to improve it, please just read a little bit longer. If you blindly think everything about our governmental system is perfect and are too afraid to imagine ways to improve it, then I’m surprised you read this far and you will find nothing useful in continuing to read.

We look at Egypt and we celebrate saying, “Great for them! Go Freedom!” We look at Libya and we cheer, “Down with Kadafi!” What about America? We are under the rule of over 150 years of bi-partisan dictatorship! No new party can take power because these dictators have made it illegal to have opposition. Worse yet, these leaders are immortal. This is not the world I want my children to grow up in. I, personally, am tired of waiting for someone else to fix the world. If you agree with any of my ideas or, better yet, have different ideas to improve our government, I implore you to follow my facebook page and discuss these ideas and how to take action.

In school they teach you about how amazing and perfect the United States is. Maybe they bring up this issue we used to have called “slavery”, but we completely fixed that long ago. They indoctrinate you with lessons on checks and balances–telling you how the system prevents any one body from having too much power. But now two entities are locked in an epic endless battle for power. What they do not ingrain in your mind in school is an explanation of the final check on power.

We the People are the final check on power. Roughly 50 years ago, we exercised that power and it brought positive sweeping changes across our nation. We made tremendous leaps in equality and civil rights. But now, as the fate of the world hangs in the balance, We lay dormant. Are we too fat and happy to demand change when it matters? Probably. The Daily Show was able to organize a massive undirected rally in Washington in 2010. What could happen with a million people with a purpose?

Something the Daily Show’s Rally to Restore Sanity brought to light was the fact that a permit to assemble is required. This fact passed uneventfully through a broadcast when, in fact, it should resonate much deeper. How is this possible? The Power to Assemble, even in a public space, rests with The People. This right is guaranteed to us in the First Amendment. The government has no legal right to regulate a peaceful demonstration. Take that to the Supreme Court if you want.

I said Democracy is broken, but if I don’t provide a solution then I’m no better than a filibustering representative–which is another issue I will soon address. We NEED a new Constitutional Amendment. Congressional representatives must be assigned for each party’s portion of the registered voters. Then there cannot be vying for power to the ridiculous extent it has reached because each person can choose their party based on their views. No, this won’t fix everything overnight–but it will break the thorough dictatorship held by the Republican and Democrat parties. With this system, voters would vote for representatives within their registered party only. This is not the only point I wish to make, but it is the most important one.

Right now the Tea Party movement is stifled by its tether to the Republican Party. At the turn of the Century, the Green Party lost most of its steam after the Presidential Election debacle of 2000. I do not agree with every view to the far right or far left, but these voices deserve to be heard on a National stage with voices proportional to how they represent the public. Moderate views are usually the right views, but a lot of great ideas are crushed with strict adhesion to moderate politics.

How many public servants ran for office because they wanted to make a difference? How many of them simply passionately wanted to help the world change for the better? Aside from maybe ten percent pressured by their families to maintain status–I assure you the rest had dreams of a brighter tomorrow. How many of these dreams were crushed? How many dreams fell by the wayside once they got to office and realized that it wasn’t about making a difference? It was about wresting power from the other party so that once, every couple of years, one of the parties’ agendas could pass. The focus of Congress has gone from governing to gaining power for the party and I refuse to believe that this is the best we can do.

As Jim Morrison once said, “The time to hesitate is through, no time to wallow in the mire…come on baby light my fire.” NOW is the time to light that fire. NOW is the time for action.